3.5 ⭐️ Thanks to NetGalley for providing thid ARC of Evenings & Weekends, although it took me longer than expected to get around to reading. I’m not sure I have a lot to say about this book. Although I enjoyed it, it sits where a lot of LitFic sits for me - enjoyable but not particularly memorable. It follows a group of people (interconnected friends/family) in London during a weekend where a whale washed up on the Thames. Honestly, can’t quite figure out the whale piece; seemed a bit bizarre/out of place. The characters go through a lot of self-reflection, mostly about their childhoods, love, and sexuality. Wouldn’t particularly sway a recommendation to read either way to a yes/no, but would probably pick up something by this author again as I enjoyed the writing style.

I'm on a real Irish lit kick lately, so when I got approved for Oisin McKenna's debut, I was very excited! I love how contemporary and relatable McKenna's voice is--hyper specific references and classic dry wit are the hallmarks of a writer who is carving out his own path in this genre. You feel like you’ve met these characters before, especially if you’re a millennial. A very solid debut.

Evenings and Weekends was such a great read. I loved the character development and the writing was propulsive. I would read more from this author.

This had me at “for fans of Sally Rooney,” and the gorgeous cover! It was so good and exceeded my expectations!

This is a quiet story about 4 characters that are really going through a transition stage in their lives. They are all kind of teriyaki, but I felt for the woman the most. Lots of dialogue and I did find my mind wandering, but it offers a solid resolution.

The narrative follows a diverse cast of interconnected characters through London during the summer solstice of 2019. They struggle with personal crises, relationships (past and present), and major life events. Themes of queerness, polyamory, and financial uncertainty are explored through character-driven stories that highlight the intricacies of being a young adult in 2019 - mainly living for nights and weekends.

Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the publisher for my arc!

I really wanted to enjoy this but sadly this just was not for me. I was really bored with the charactrers and was just not engaged at all.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

This felt like a jr. version of a Sally Rooney novel. I loved the idea of it, execution was just a bit flat. 3.5 stars.

A stunning literary work that explores the intertwined lives of three deeply connected individuals, brimming with charm and emotion.

At first, I wasn’t sure this book was for me. But it ended up being one of the most beautiful reads. Another reviewer mentioned that it reminds them of Sally Rooney's writing, and I have to agree with that. This is the perfect summer read, and I can’t wait to see what McKenna writes next!

I can't believe I forgot to provide feedback for this novel! I loved it! Set over the course of the weekend, telling the "weekend" through varied points of view. I loved this so much and would definitely recommend it for a book club.

gorgeous literary work discussing the lives and emanations of three deeply tied individuals. full od charm and passion.

An interwoven cast navigate changing relationships and must decide what comes next; a story about the weight of existence.

For the longest time, I wasn’t sure where the story was going. The abrupt jumps from character to character were difficult to follow, and I didn’t feel like I really got to know any of the characters (who, admittedly, were rather unlikable). The prose carried the story with metaphors and anthropomorphism- notably the whale, who was a unique albeit somewhat confusing add to the storyline. With a long build up I was expecting more of a climax, but instead the story fizzled and I left feeling underwhelmed.

4/5 Writing
2/5 Story
3/5 Atmosphere

eARC courtesy of NetGalley, opinions are my own

I was really excited for this book, but unfortunately it fell short. We weren’t able to get to know the characters until the very end of the novel. With either less focus on some characters or a longer book, it would have felt more cohesive.

Thank you SO much NetGalley, Oisin McKenna and the publisher for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.


I was super unsure if this book was for me at first- what's a whale doing stuck in the Thames?!- but it turned out to be one of the most beautiful books I've read this year. So touching and similar to how I feel when I read Sally Rooney, showing such beauty in simple moments. Ugh! what a great book to read during the summer. I will read whatever McKenna comes out with next!

Really wanted to love this, but unfortunately there were just too many characters for me to get fully invested in any of them. Beautiful writing but all in all just kinda meh for me

I was excited to reads this for the 'fans of Sally Rooney' recommendations and was not disappointed. It was a beautifully written novel with a large cast of characters. Just when there were parts that started dragging, the author pulled me back in with breadcrumbs of secrets past. The realistic character development is definitely where I saw an overlap with Rooney. As someone who hasn't spent much time in the UK, I really enjoyed being taken on a hot summer weekend adventure in London.

4.5 stars- worth a read for the lovely character development. If you're looking for a fast-paced, plot-driven novel, save this one for later.

Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC.

Absolutely loved everything about this book. The ensemble cast of characters and all of their stories kept me enthralled the whole book. I haven’t stopped thinking about this since finishing. Evenings and Weekends will stay with me for a long time.

I just had to suspend my belief for the whale. But this wwaas the perfect, slow, anad sumptous summer read. Very messy but great.

Evenings and Weekends by Oisin McKenna offers an ambitious glimpse into the interconnected lives of multiple characters over one intense London weekend in 2019. While the novel attempts to capture the messy complexities of relationships and personal struggles, the sheer number of perspectives can be overwhelming, making it challenging to form deep connections with individual characters.

McKenna's writing shows promise, particularly in its portrayal of London's atmosphere and the characters' internal conflicts, but the pacing and structure may leave some readers feeling disconnected or bored at times. Despite its flaws, the book does provide some poignant moments and explores relevant themes of love, sexuality, and personal growth. For fans of character-driven narratives and British fiction, "Evenings and Weekends" might be worth a read, but it may not fully live up to the high praise it has received from some critics.

Really wanted to love this, but unfortunately couldn’t get into it until around the last 1/3 of the book, which I really loved! The way all the different stories come together and intertwine leading up to the end was really beautiful.